Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1887-09-23
WEED BLADES.

1Oung Henry uaylold experienced
much difficulty IN finding, N his some
what contracted sphere OF operations.
vocation which would YIELD q pleas.
urable, not to say remuneraive return.
One day, after having experinced with
quite a number Of "callings, including
mild attempt in the pulpit, @ heard
that q school teacher was great needed
in q far removed district, knGn as
PAINTER Walk" He had begu the
study of veterinary surgery, but N, be-
ing very much taken with the pres
sion, lie decided to 60 at once to "Pahr
Walk" and begin the much need'
course of instruction. Arriving, M
found small log school house, sparsely
supplied with benches. The farmers
whom he consulted agreed that school
was the very thing they needed, but
that no one could expect much "of
shown till arter the crops was laid by. y
This was certainly discouraging, but as
young Hayloid had nothing else in view,
he decided to stay and take his chances.
When school opened emily two scholars
made their appearance, the family prop
erty of old jim Socklaster. One was
"gangling" boy. whose awkward form
and recklessness Of gait had won him
the appellation Of "Windin' Blades. +"
The girl, tall and with disposition to
romp, was rather good looking, and
wore around her hair blue ribbon
silken streak of civilization.
and what is your name?" asked the
teacher.
"They call me Weed, sir" she said.
"Why did they give you such name 2
"Cause she growed so fast" inter
posed Windin Blades.
AS no other pupils came, Hayloid de-
cided to GO ahead regardless of mum
beers. 1t was with some tronble that
the two students could be classified.
Windin' Blades had only one book, q
tattered copy Of Paradise Lost" OF
which he could not read line, and
Weed had brought work treating OF
agriculture among the ancient Egypt
ians-
Where did you get these books p
asked the teacher.
"A tramp give 'em to us for jug OF
buttermilk," replied Windin' Blades.
Can your father read 2"
"He can read little books, but he
can't read one as big as this one"
Your mother can doubtless read2'
turning to the girl.
She can't read now, but she ulster
could"
why cant she read now?"
Because the book she learned to
read is dun lost. Here comes pap"
Old man Socklaster entered, nodded
and said:
"Mornin' to you, mornin', sir. Got
sorter slim prospect"
Eyes, the children don't appear to be
coming very fast"
Old Socklaster was not disappointed
ut the "slim prospeck"-in fact he was
rather pleased TO note what encourage
ment, beyond his neighbors, he was
giving to the cause of education.
81 reckin you're goin' to go right or
with the undertaken ies' the same, as
if YOU had whole passed. of scholars p
"Yes," said Hayloid. II came here
TO teach. and so long as i can secure the
attendance of single pupil / shall con.
tinue to make my efforts in behalf oil
learning.
"Glad to know it, You're the only
right sort Of teacher we've had in thi:
community for some time"
"By the way, Mr.. Socklaster, these
books which your children have beer
provided with are by no means appro-
pirate.
Whats the matter with emp"
zone treats OF agriculture severa
thousand years ago, telling of wooder
plows and OK threshing machines, the
other is o book which only advanced
students can read and understand.
wall, the Teller we got 'em Of sale
they was good books, and he's an oldel
man than you are. Better let EN-
worry along with them books awhile
an AFTER they've dun learnt al
there is in 'em, wy then I'll get then
some better ones. Good day. Wusl
you mighty we'll with your undertaken.
Fortunately Hayloid had brought
few books for beginners. He had NJ
trouble in effecting an exchange, TO
the bright pictures at once settled tn
question of their worth. Wind'n' BLADE
and Weed had scarcely exploded TIN
mysteries of the alphabet, but the.
proved to be attentive and evinced sucl
desire TO learn that Hayloid did no
regret having commenced with "sucl
slim prospects,
The teacher boarded in quiet fam
lily, where the sunlight that ilttl
child brings is unknown, where dea
old man and knitting old woman sa
down nightly TO the exploration o
their own thoughts. All that IIayloic
could get ont of the old man was "hah
with one hand behind his ear-and q